Jordan Walker had a better Monday night than most people have all year. Literally.
The Cardinals outfielder won the 2026 Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, and the winner’s check was $1 million. His salary for the whole 2026 season is $799,400.
In just one night, he earned 125% of his salary.
He came from behind to grab the cash too.
Walker trailed in the final and answered with six home runs on his last six swings, closing gap and finishing off Kyle Schwarber 12-11. It came right down to the last outs of the round.
He’d already had to grind his way there. In the semifinals, he edged Junior Caminero, 6-5, before turning around and outlasting the hometown favorite in front of a Philadelphia crowd rooting against him the whole way.
By night’s end he had hit 31 homers total across three rounds.
Walker is just 24 and still making close to the league minimum in his fourth major league season. The 2020 first-round draft pick is not eligible for arbitration until next season.
Schwarber, the runner-up and the hometown hero, got $500,000. The six who went out earlier took $150,000 apiece. Junior Caminero banked another $100,000 for the night’s longest home run 491 feet.
Where to watch the 2026 MLB All-Star Game
The festivities continue in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 14 with the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
- Date: Tuesday, July 14
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia)
- TV: Fox
- Streaming: Fox One
Watch the 2026 MLB All-Star Game with Fubo
USA TODAY at MLB All-Star Game
The 2026 Midsummer Classic has arrived, and USA TODAY will have reporters on the ground in Philadelphia and at home eager to deliver the goods. From media day and the Home Run Derby, to the red carpet and All-Star Game, we’ll have everything covered .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Walker’s Home Run Derby prize money is more than his MLB salary
